Santa Fe: Seniors never threw in the towel…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
It’s easy to have fun when you’re winning and putting up big numbers. Someone’s true character comes out when it’s not always rosy.
Santa Fe definitely didn’t come into this season thinking a 2-7 year was on the horizon. A lack of experience early combined with some tough breaks in early district games put Bruce Gowen’s team behind the eight ball early and often.
But anytime I’ve talked to those seniors, from Will Long to Brian Mills to Matt Leavell, they’ve never given me an indication that they quit on each other or the coaching staff.
The Wolves put it together in a 24-7 win at Norman North, and Long was pretty honest about why he was able to throw the ball so well.
Norman North really stacked the box and wanted to stop the run. That gave me an opportunity to make some plays.” – Long
And now the kids have one more chance. It will surely be an emotional senior night for those kids Thursday against Moore (0-9, 0-6).
Long and Mills have said it best. They hope the way they’ve faced this season and all its trials and tribulations will serve as inspiration to some of the younger kids. The younger kids have definitely had examples to look up to.
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I watched a team a few years ago take a beating throughout the year and never had seniors with any character. Their coach (now retired) never demanded true sportsmanship qualities and they lived down to his leadership. In their last game they came up against a lesser team and won big. The problem was they had intentional personal foul penalties, played dirty, and acted terrible to the losing team. I was embarrassed watching the ugly incident. Those same seniors went to a crosstown rivals playoff game and sat right behind the bench and tried to provoke a fight. Security made them leave, so they went to the other side and started cheering for the visiting team. It was a disgusting display of lack of character! It’s good to see these Santa Fe young men have learned some good life lessons. I’m sure their coach, Bruce Gowen, has been a big part of the reason for that. Never underestimate the influence a coach has on a young person’s life!
Excellent point, Mike. Nobody has probably taken more hits than Gowen this year, but he’s shown what real character is all about.
- Bone